Today Facebook let me have a message it's been hiding in a weird spot for two weeks. It was from one of my Karate students from back in the 1990s. He was a kid back then.
He wants to establish contact, so I immediately shot him a friend request.
In his message he said the nicest things, including, "You were a huge part of my life growing up and partly the reason I am so successful today." How complimentary is that?
Martial Arts instructors play an unusual roll. More than any other activity, they become role models and mentors to their students. Think of Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi from the original Karate Kid movies. It's a pretty accurate depiction.
I have felt that way towards my own Senseis, and I was an adult. The influence is greater on kids.
This can be good, or bad. I have always tried to be a positive, enthusiastic and encouraging presence at the head of the Dojo.
Today's communication made me feel both humble, and honoured.
Maybe I succeeded, at least sometimes.
I am a 68 year old retired teacher living on the west coast of Canada. I spent over 30 years as a student of Karate until my knees stopped liking it. My current passionate activity is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, which I've been at for about 13 years.
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